Student Brings Gun On School Bus In Haines City: Police

HAINES CITY, FL — A 17-year-old Ridge High School student had a loaded gun on a bus that he had brought to school with him on Monday, the Haines City Police Department said.

Authorities said the teen was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school property, improper exhibition of firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under 18 years of age.

Police said after 2:30 p.m. on Monday inside a school bus taking kids home, a student told a parent via text that they saw the teen cycling rounds in and out of the chamber of the gun.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office was notified and a deputy stopped the bus.

Deputies boarded the bus and found the loaded gun in the suspect's possession, said detectives.

Police said there were five rounds in the gun's magazine.

The gun was stolen from a residence in Polk County, according to authorities.

"If you bring a firearm to school, there are no second chances," said Chief Jim Elensky. "We are fortunate that no one was injured by the careless disregard this 17-year-old had for the students and staff he placed in harm's way. I strongly commend this student and parent who followed the principle we refer to so often, and that's if you see or hear something, say something."

The minor was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, said police.

"We appreciate our law enforcement partners, including the Haines City Police Department, for responding so quickly and confiscating this weapon," said Angela Clark, principal of Ridge Community High School. "We are thankful that a tip was made to keep anyone from getting hurt. As always, we encourage students, staff and community members to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement and school administrators. Working together, we can keep our schools and buses safe."

Patch will not release the name of the suspect since he is a minor.